When the first note shows up at the restaurant where he works -- when he isn't designing costumes for a local theater -- Jim Foster laughs it off. When the notes keep coming, he doesn't find the fact that he might have a secret admirer quite so amusing. Alan North, a lonely, bookish customer at the restaurant, is too shy to even think of talking to Jim -- as much as he wants to. Then the killings begin. Two of Jim's friends are murdered in what appear to be muggings. However, the detective in charge of the cases believes they're more than that, and that Jim is either the killer ... or being stalked by one. When Jim and Alan finally connect, can they help find and stop the stalker, or will Alan end up dead before their budding relationship can become more than friendship?

His Secret Admirer

When he left work Sunday afternoon, it was raining. He made a mad dash to his car, cursing himself for not having checked the weather report before leaving for the restaurant that morning. Or waiting for it, last night. Stupid, considering it is October. Next thing you know, it’ll be snowing.


He parked in his usual spot at the apartment building, pulled up the collar of his jacket, then raced to front entrance. It took a moment, once he was in the entryway, fumbling for the key to unlock the lobby door, to realize someone else was there, staring at the names beside the buzzers.


The man turned, briefly smiling as he said, “I was hoping to find you at home.”


“Why?” Jim asked, frowning at Detective Baines. Then it occurred to him that the detective might have found out who had killed Vic, so he asked.


“No, I’m afraid not,” the detective replied. “If you don’t mind, I need to talk with you, and not out here.”


With a nod, Jim unlocked the door. “In my place?” he asked.


Chapter 12